Le Corbusier Reloaded: LC2 at designfunktion

It was no chair but studies of human bodies that Le Corbusier drew in his first studies for this chair: always different, sitting in various positions to find an ergonomic form. After all, the new piece of furniture was supposed to be not only functional and aesthetic, but also comfortable enough for everyday use. The Swiss-French architect also used a similar technique with his houses, which he designed in line with his anthropometric scale of proportions – the Modulor – to ensure they were on a human scale. And in fact, even if the outer shape of the chair, with its precise separation between the supporting frame and the loose upholstered cushions, demonstrates perfectly the principles of functionalism, it is still the superior comfort that today attracts a loyal following to this design icon. What is equally true is the fact that the chair – unlike many other design classics – is wonderfully suitable for everyday use and, thanks to its compact form, does not seem out of place even in small rooms.

Even if these days one connects it above all with the name of Le Corbusier, the legendary LC2 armchair was, in fact, a collaborative effort: besides the famous architect, his cousin and partner Pierre Jeanneret and Charlotte Perriand, a furniture designer, had a hand in it. In 1928, they presented the chair to the public at the Salon d'Automne in Paris, together with the semi-circular chaise longue now known as the LC4CP, which has also long since become a design icon. After the LC series was first produced by different manufacturers under licence, the Italian furniture manufacturer Cassina secured the rights to the designs in 1965. Since then, they have been produced to the highest standards of craftsmanship in the northern Italian factory – authorised by the Corbusier Foundation, which the architect himself had called into being in 1960, five years before his death. As the only authorised manufacturer, Cassina has, therefore, been producing the design classics of the LC series in an almost unchanged form until now.

It is not just that strikingly cubic shape, however, that still gives the chair its highly characteristic appearance, familiar to every lover of design. It is also the functional and severe combination of black leather and chromed tubular steel that almost everyone immediately recognises (and which incidentally reminds one of the tubular steel furniture of the Bauhaus masters that emerged at the same time). This leather and chrome version that became popular in the 1980s has characterised the perception of the classic even up to today – but unjustly so. After all, what many do not know is that his original design had a very different character – less severe, but more comfortable, relaxed and casual. Thus, the tubes of the frame were not chromed but painted in bright colours, and the upholstery was not only made of robust materials, but was also much softer.

On the 50th anniversary of its takeover, Cassina has therefore added some new versions to its range, which pick up on the original colours and surfaces, and fit in with today's sense of style. Thus the leather upholstery now also comes in soft browns and greys, and the frame is also available in matching matte black, green and light blue, and in earthy greys and earth tones. This allows quite unusual colour combinations to come about that give the chair an entirely new, more natural look. With a tobacco-brown leather and a matte-black frame, the classic LC2 no longer comes across as cool and businesslike, but surprisingly warm and comfortable – which is why it fits perfectly into interiors, in which a black and chrome chair would probably appear like some foreign body. In parallel to this, there is also one version whose black fabric upholstery is covered with the ‘Waterborn’ fabric of Danish manufacturer Kvadrat.

The good news for all those who – in the face of these new design options – fancy an LC2 comes from Munich. The classics specialists from designfunktion, who have long made a name for themselves among experts with their distribution of choice design classics, have taken the occasion of the anniversary as an opportunity to put out a special offer. Thus, the LC2 covered with fabric can be had for €2,590 – no other LC2 model has ever been priced this low before. Those opting for the version with leather upholstery will get an LC9 stool worth up to €640 thrown in free of charge. Also included in the package is a book on Le Corbusier and the LC series – so you get, at the same time, the right reading matter to curl up in your new chair and while away some time. The offer is valid from 4 May to 31 July 2015. If you want to see for yourself the look, feel and workmanship of the legendary LC series, go to designfunktion's branches in Munich, Murnau and Nuremberg, where you will find a special show of the anniversary models up to 30 June.

Good to know: the offer serves as a prelude to a new series of classics from designfunktion, which lovers of design should keep a firm eye on. Four times a year, designfunktion will focus on a legendary classic, which will be on offer on special terms and conditions. This will be accompanied by exhibitions in the showrooms, a detailed portrait of the classic on the designfunktion website, and a free collector's poster that customers can order.

The poster for the LC2 is also available for free. If you're interested, send an e-mail with the subject heading "Collector's Poster LC2" and your address to klassiker@designfunktion.de.